How 6 female entrepreneurs are making it in the food world

The food industry is known for being fast-paced and high-pressure, making it a testing ground for seasoned entrepreneurs. This Women’s History Month, we highlight six women who survived and thrived in this harsh environment. We spoke to six women who are reshaping the food world with their taste, their vision, and their relentless determination.

Their insights provide insight into what it takes to stand out and succeed in today’s food world. From the challenges of supply chain obstacles to the success of perfectly balanced dishes, these women share their real-life experiences running a food business. Here’s how they stay dedicated, stay inspired and continue to lead by example.

Shweta Garg, Masala & Chai

With a dual career in cyber security consulting and food blogging, Shweta Garg embodies the perfect balance between passion and profession. Founder of Indian-American site Masala & Chai, Shweta proves that dedication and structure can coexist with culinary passion and cultural traditions.

“Keeping your word on your promises can only be achieved by taking the time to implement an efficient process,” comments Garg, who explains that managing a successful foodie blog is part of the 9-to-5 job. It calls attention to the resilience needed when juggling work. “When building a business that you are invested in financially and emotionally, remembering your ‘why’ helps you get through the toughest days. For me, it’s about being a part of people’s daily lives. It was about recognizing the impact you can have. Once you set your goals, you can start building structures, routines, and processes around the things you need to work on daily, weekly, and monthly to stay focused and organized on running your business. You can work on it.

Ji Sung Chong, House of Chong and Soy & Rice

A commitment to self-care, healing, and leadership is at the heart of Jisung Chun’s entrepreneurial vision for two brands: House of Jeon and Soy & Rice. Chun’s journey is a story of transformation, not just of a business leader, but of an individual who seeks to make a positive impact through the universal language of food.

“My journey as an entrepreneur has taught me to focus on self-care and my healing journey,” Chun reflects. Her focus on personal growth and well-being is the foundation and shapes her approach to leadership and service. “The more I heal, the more authentic, loving, and kind I become,” she says, acknowledging that her personal changes have had a ripple effect on her ability to lead and inspire. Masu.

Chun’s efforts extend beyond the limits of her inner world and influence her ethos in the food industry. “Knowing with complete certainty who you are and what you are here to do is absolutely a priority,” she asserts. This clarity of purpose and identity guides her mission to provide more than just nutrition. “I am very honored to be in the food industry and intend to provide healthy food and a positive environment to the people I work with and the customers who visit my space.”

For Chong, food goes beyond basic nutritional value and embodies the dual role of medicine and universal social glue. “Food is the oldest medicine and a universal social language,” she says, confirming her intention to nourish both body and mind. “And I intend to provide just that.”

Paula Patterson “The Pony Show”

As wine director and co-founder of The Pony Show, which specializes in private dinner parties and pop-ups in upstate New York and beyond, Paula Patterson draws endless inspiration from the formidable women shaping the culinary world. I’m pulling it out.

“I look closely at the other women who have built this industry around me and around me, and I continue to be inspired by their passion, joy, and dedication.” Patterson looks back. “Women play a variety of roles, including farmers, event coordinators, bakers, chefs, general managers, food writers, beverage directors, servers, and guests. Women are passionate about these roles in countless ways. Whether I’m working alongside them or watching from afar, women in all facets of this industry wake me up every day and inspire me in my own journey. We keep forcing it to happen.”

Through her observations, Patterson highlights the multifaceted contributions of women to the food industry. She admires their culinary and managerial skills, as well as their unwavering passion and determination, which inspires her every day. “Seeing the connections with others and seeing the sparkle and sparkle in their eyes as they made their dreams come true helped me stay in touch with myself,” she reflects. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of inspiration and support among women.

Maria Lara Breguatta, Café Mamajuana

Café Mamajuana in Burlington, Vermont is more than just a restaurant. It is living proof of the power of food to celebrate cultural heritage and diversity. With Maria Lara Bregatta at the helm, her passion for her Dominican and Italian background is infused into every dish and decision-making at her restaurant. As a business owner in the food industry, I find that my dedication and inspiration is rooted in the rich connection between food and eating. “Tradition is tradition,” Lara-Bregatta shared, revealing her deep-rooted motivation behind her entrepreneurial journey. “Food has been a powerful way for me to honor my Dominican and Italian background and embrace the cultural diversity that defines my identity.”

For Lara Bregatta, food is more than just sustenance, it is a medium for storytelling, a storytelling tool that bridges continents and generations. “It acts as a bridge that connects me to my roots and allows me to share my history with others,” she explains. This philosophy is the basis of Café Her Mamajuana, which aims to nourish the body and nourish the soul and mind.

“By understanding the importance of food in shaping our identity and empowering our communities, I found a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my entrepreneurial journey,” Lara Bregatta concluded. Her words emphasize the power of food as a catalyst for cultural celebration, personal identity, and community empowerment.

Carolina One, EatGoodNYC

Carolina Wang’s journey into the culinary world as co-founder of Eatgoodnyc encapsulates the unexpected twists that life often takes. Carolina’s story of inadvertently finding her way into the food industry is a powerful testament to the role of perseverance, learning, and community in shaping an entrepreneur’s path.

“As someone who runs a business in the food industry, how do I maintain my dedication and inspiration?” Wang begins to think. “To be honest, this wasn’t even what I wanted, and I just kind of fell into it.” and reflects the journey brought on by resilience. “No matter how long you’ve been in this industry, every day is a learning curve, but you always find a way to be humble.”

Ms. Wang’s approach stands out because of her passionate focus on personal growth and community impact. “What continues to inspire me is knowing how my actions have changed me as a person and having the confidence to share that with my community and inspire others to do the same.” “I gained the knowledge and experience to do so,” she says. This insight highlights the transformative power of entrepreneurship, not only for individuals but also for the broader community.

Emphasizing the essence of purpose-driven business, Wang said, “No matter how successful you are in business, it means nothing if it doesn’t serve and empower the community in a lasting way.” This philosophy is at the core of her vision at eatgoodnyc, whose mission extends beyond the boundaries of business to foster and improve the communities it serves. Wang not only charts her own discovery and her path to growth, but also illuminates the path for others to follow.

Sonya Vega, Doña Vega Mezcal

Sonya Vega, founder and CEO of Doña Vega Mezcal, is an outstanding entrepreneur and an inspiration to women looking to carve out their own niche in this field. Based on her passion, knowledge, and authenticity, Vega’s advice encapsulates a roadmap for aspiring female entrepreneurs in the world of spirits.

“My advice to women looking to break into the spirits industry is to find a product that excites you and learn all you can about it,” says Sonya Vega. Focusing on passion and expertise is more than just a strategy. It is the foundation for meaningful engagement with products and markets.

Vega understands that standing out in a saturated industry like spirits requires more than just presence, it requires a true connection and contribution to the space. “This industry is crowded, so make sure you can make a real contribution to this field and let your passion shine!” advises Vega. This is a reminder that authenticity and enthusiasm are not just add-ons, but important elements that define the relationship between a brand and its consumers.

Vega’s journey with Doña Vega exemplifies how a genuine commitment to a company’s product and its story can resonate deeply and create a path to success and impact.